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Reading glasses are essential for many of us as we reach our 40s and beyond, especially when it comes to reading the fine print, working at a computer, or enjoying a good book. But when it’s time to invest in a pair, the choices can be overwhelming.

Do you go for prescription glasses from your optometrist? Grab a pair of over-the-counter readers from the pharmacy? Or is there a more permanent fix worth considering?

Let’s explore the pros and cons of each option, so you can decide what’s best for your eyes, your lifestyle, and your future.

Option 1: Over-the-counter (non-prescription) reading glasses

You’ve seen them: rows of affordable reading glasses in supermarkets and chemists, usually arranged by strength from +1.00 to +3.50. These are designed for people with age-related near vision loss (presbyopia) who need a quick, simple solution.

Pros:

• Affordable and accessible
• No prescription needed
• Great as a backup or travel pair

Cons:

• One-size-fits-all: same prescription in both lenses
• No correction for astigmatism or other vision issues
• Can cause eye strain or headaches with prolonged use
• May not suit your individual visual needs

Non-prescription readers can be handy, but they’re rarely a long-term solution, especially as your vision continues to change.

Option 2: Prescription reading glasses

Customised by your optometrist, prescription reading glasses are tailored to your eyes’ unique needs. They’re ideal if one eye is stronger than the other or if you also need correction for astigmatism.

Pros:

• Tailored to your specific prescription
• Better clarity and comfort
• Can be combined with multifocal or progressive lenses for all-day wear

Cons:

• More expensive than off-the-shelf readers
• You may need to purchase frequent prescription updates as presbyopia progresses
• Still require you to carry and wear glasses every day

Prescription readers are the most accurate and comfortable option for most people, but they’re still a temporary fix for a permanent change in your eyes.

A third option: lens replacement 

If you’ve found yourself constantly misplacing your glasses or feel frustrated by switching between multiple pairs for different tasks, it might be time to consider a more permanent solution.

Refractive Lens Exchange, sometimes called lens replacement surgery or “lensectomy”, is a procedure that replaces your eye’s natural lens with a new, custom artificial lens designed to correct your vision. Originally developed for cataract patients, lens replacement is now used electively to treat presbyopia and can reduce dependency on glasses altogether.

Why consider lens replacement?

• It's often a better choice than laser eye surgery for people over 45
• It can correct both near and distance vision (depending on the lens chosen)
• It prevents cataracts later in life
• It’s a once-off procedure with long-term results

At Medownick, we’ve performed thousands of lens replacement procedures using world-class technology in a calming, boutique private hospital setting. While lens replacement isn’t the right option for everyone, it’s a conversation worth having, especially if you’re looking for real, lasting freedom from glasses.

What’s right for you?

• Just starting to struggle with small print? Over-the-counter readers might do the trick - for now.
• Want tailored vision correction and happy to keep updating? Prescription reading glasses are the way to go.
• Looking for a more permanent solution? Book a free assessment with Medownick to find out if lens replacement could work for you.